RN or no?

[bruiised]

I am a recently licensed LPN with a job I really enjoy. I am taking a little down time instead of jumping back into school for my RN.. LPN school was pretty intense (fast track program) and I just need some time to let my brain rest.

I am wondering lately though.. should I go for my RN? I'm happy being an LPN but people keep saying "go for your RN"

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[CLUVRN, MSN, RN]

I would say take a year or so off to wind down from school and really soak in the responsibilities of your job and become the proficient nurse you were trained to be. If by then you can envision yourself taking on more responsibilities and wanting more professional growth, then I'd say enroll in an RN bridge program in your area.

[beckyboo1, BSN, RN]

Keep in mind that it's never too late to go back, should you decide to. I graduated from LPN school in 1987 and am now 1/3 of the way through an accelerated LPN to RN program. No need to rush into something you're not sure you want just yet.

[nolanurse88]

But also keep in mind if you decide to wait awhile you might end up having to retake your science classes as most are only good for 5 years.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

It will depend on you and where you are at...to wait won't hurt...

I had most of my prereq's done before I went to PN school, and went on to get my license and my associates in the same year to preserve my credits; life happened, and when I re reentered nursing school I had five years of LPN experience at that time. I gained a ton of experience in those years; when I went back for my BSN, it helped in terms of "thinking like a nurse" helped solidify a foundation; the work is just as intense, but then again, I went through an accelerated part time BSN program; but then again, nursing school is rigorous in itself!

My experience as a LPN helped open doors to current leadership positions; as well as be a viable candidate even in this market.

If you want to become an expert in a specialty through certification, then you may have the desire to continue your education sooner rather than later-that was my driving force to go back; I could not be certified in the specialties that I worked in (Rehab and Peds); I have the ability to do so once I get my working hours in soon enough.

Best wishes.

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

I would go back for my RN because you just never know with the LPN jobs in the future.

I have been an LPN going on 5 months now and I just sent all of my stuff off for Excelsior Lpn- Rn program. I want to get it over and done with I have all of my prereqs and I do miss school.

I am happy with being an LPN I make what some RNs make and more than some of them BUT, I want more money and more job opportunities that is why I am going back asap.